Visiting Hljóðaklettar: A Self-Drive Guide on the Diamond Circle

North Iceland's Diamond Circle is a touring route celebrated for its immense waterfalls, powerful geothermal activity, and dramatic canyons. While giants like Dettifoss often command the spotlight, the route holds lesser-known treasures that offer profound encounters with Iceland's geological artistry. One such place is Hljóðaklettar, or the "Echo Rocks," a labyrinth of bizarre basalt columns and caves that create a truly surreal landscape.

A self-drive journey is the most effective way to access this remote and fascinating site. The freedom of having your own vehicle allows you to navigate the rugged roads of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and explore at a pace that suits you. This guide provides essential information for planning your car trip to Hljóðaklettar, covering its unique geology, driving directions, vehicle requirements, and its place within the grander Diamond Circle adventure. With a capable rental car from Höldur, you can confidently explore this acoustic and visual wonder.

Hljóðaklettar: The Echoing Rocks of Jökulsárgljúfur

Hljóðaklettar is a cluster of ancient volcano plugs located within the magnificent Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, part of Vatnajökull National Park. The name "Echo Rocks" comes from the unique acoustic properties of the area. The strange angles, caves, and honeycomb patterns of the basalt formations cause sound to reflect and reverberate in peculiar ways, creating echoes and auditory illusions.

These extraordinary structures were formed by a powerful volcanic eruption under a glacier thousands of years ago. The immense pressure and rapid cooling created a chaotic jumble of basalt columns twisted into arches, rosettes, and spirals. After the eruption, the mighty Jökulsá á Fjöllum glacial river carved its way through the landscape, eroding the softer surrounding rock and exposing these resilient and strangely shaped volcanic cores. Walking through Hljóðaklettar feels like stepping into a natural sculpture park crafted by fire and ice.

Planning Your Self-Drive Trip to Hljóðaklettar

Hljóðaklettar is a more adventurous detour from the main Ring Road, requiring careful planning, especially concerning road conditions and vehicle choice. Renting a car is essential for reaching this site and gives you the flexibility to explore the remote western side of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.

Getting There

Hljóðaklettar is located on the west side of the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. Access is via Route 862, but it is important to distinguish between the northern and southern sections of this road.

• From the North (Ásbyrgi): From the Ring Road (Route 1), head north on Route 85. Near the turn-off for Ásbyrgi canyon, you will find the entrance to the northern part of Route 862. This section is a gravel road that leads south to Hljóðaklettar and Vesturdalur.
• From the South (Dettifoss): The southern section of Route 862, which leads to the west side of Dettifoss, is paved and heavily trafficked. However, the gravel road connecting the Dettifoss west viewpoint northward to Hljóðaklettar can be rough and is often closed outside of summer. Always check road conditions before attempting to connect the two.

The most reliable summer access is typically from the north via Route 85.

Road Conditions and Vehicle Recommendations

The roads leading to Hljóðaklettar demand careful consideration.

• Vehicle Choice: Due to the gravel surface and potentially rough condition of Route 862 (north of Dettifoss), a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. While a 2WD might manage in perfect, dry summer conditions, a 4x4 offers superior stability, comfort, and safety on the unpaved and sometimes corrugated road surface.
• Road Seasonality: Route 862 (the gravel section to Hljóðaklettar) and the connecting mountain roads are only open during the summer months, typically from late May or June until September or October, depending on snow conditions. It is impassable and closed in winter. Always check road.is for the latest updates before you travel.

Höldur Car Rental offers a wide range of robust 4x4 vehicles suitable for exploring Iceland's highlands and gravel roads. With convenient pick-up locations in Akureyri and at Keflavik International Airport, you can easily equip yourself for a Diamond Circle adventure.

Exploring Hljóðaklettar and Vesturdalur

The Hljóðaklettar site is part of the larger Vesturdalur valley area. From the parking lot, a network of well-marked hiking trails allows you to discover the main features.

• The Main Loop (2-3 km): A circular trail takes you through the heart of the rock formations. You will walk through narrow passages, discover small caves, and see the famous basalt rosettes and honeycomb cliffs. Take a moment to clap or call out and experience the strange acoustics for yourself.
• Kirkjan (The Church): One of the most famous formations is a large cave with two entrances and a high, vaulted ceiling, earning it the nickname "The Church." Its acoustics are particularly impressive.
• Hiking to Rauðhólar: For a longer hike, you can continue from Hljóðaklettar to Rauðhólar ("Red Hills"), a line of scoria craters known for their striking red and black colors. This adds several kilometers to your walk but provides stunning views over the canyon.

Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the main Hljóðaklettar loop comfortably.

Best Time to Visit

Due to road closures, the window to visit Hljóðaklettar is limited.

• Summer (June - early September): This is the only time to visit. The roads are open, the hiking trails are clear of snow, and the long daylight hours give you ample time to explore the entire area without rushing. The weather is at its most stable, though you should always be prepared for wind and rain.

Other Diamond Circle Attractions Nearby

A self-drive tour is the perfect way to link a visit to Hljóðaklettar with the other titans of the Diamond Circle.

• Ásbyrgi Canyon: Just north of Hljóðaklettar, this immense, horseshoe-shaped canyon is steeped in folklore, said to be a hoofprint from Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. It features lush birch forest and tranquil hiking trails.
• Dettifoss and Selfoss: Drive to the southern end of Route 862 (paved section) to witness the raw power of Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume. A short hike upstream leads to the beautiful, wide cascade of Selfoss.
• Lake Mývatn: This world of geothermal wonders, including the Hverir mud pots, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the Mývatn Nature Baths, and Skútustaðir Pseudo-Craters is an essential part of any North Iceland tour.
• Húsavík: Known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, this charming coastal town offers incredible opportunities to see marine life in Skjálfandi Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there an entrance fee for Hljóðaklettar?

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Hljóðaklettar or other sites within Vatnajökull National Park, but you are encouraged to follow all park rules to protect the environment.

Are there facilities at Hljóðaklettar?

There is a parking lot and basic toilet facilities at the Vesturdalur campsite near the trailhead. There are no shops or cafes, so bring your own water and snacks.

How difficult are the hiking trails?

The main loop is of easy to moderate difficulty, with some uneven ground and small inclines. It is suitable for most people with sturdy footwear.

Can I drive from Hljóðaklettar to Dettifoss on the west side (Route 862)?

In summer, it is sometimes possible to drive the full length of Route 862, but the gravel section between Hljóðaklettar and Dettifoss can be very rough. It is often easier and safer to drive back to Route 85 and access Dettifoss via the Ring Road and the paved southern section of Route 862.

 

Hljóðaklettar offers a unique and memorable adventure, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with an experience of Iceland's geology that is both visually stunning and audibly fascinating. It is a testament to the complex forces that have shaped this land. By exploring with your own rental vehicle, you gain the freedom to safely access this remote wonder and complete your journey around the incredible Diamond Circle.

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